Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 13, 2022) Rick Farr, the previously disqualified candidate for the Ocean Pines Board of Directors, was vindicated last week in a Worcester County Circuit Court finding that current board leadership acted improperly to block his campaign. Visiting Judge Sidney Campen of Talbot County issued his opinion Wednesday, and ordered the association… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 13, 2022) Ocean Pines officials took a deep dive on the proposed budget for next year during multi-day departmental presentations begun last Tuesday. General Manager John Viola said the association anticipates both favorable tailwinds and challenging headwinds during the next fiscal year that starts on May 1. Among the financial hurdles… Read more »
Proposed changes would require board review, with final referendum approval By Greg Ellison (Jan. 13, 2022) Amending governing documents to clarify election eligibility requirements for candidates for the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors was the focus of the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee meeting last Friday. Committee member Steve Jacobs reviewed possible amendments to bylaws… Read more »
As volunteer numbers drop, department emphasizes need for more paid staff By Greg Ellison (Jan. 13, 2022) Immediate costs for additional staffing and long-term expenses to transition to an all-paid staff dominated budget planning discussions with the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department last Wednesday. OP Fire President Dave VanGasbeck, Chief Steve Grunewald and Capt. Harvey… Read more »
Asks for public’s opinions on what it hopes to see By Greg Ellison (Jan. 13, 2022) Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall gave the Town Council his overview of operations for 2021 on Monday evening, and followed that up by promoting the formulation goals for this year when the council convenes again on Jan. 24. Tyndall said… Read more »
(Jan. 6, 2022) Previously disqualified Ocean Pines Director candidate Rick Farr was vindicated yesterday after Worcester Circuit Court ruled that current board leadership acted improperly to stymie his campaign mid-election. Judge Sidney Campen issued an opinion-order on Wednesday instructing the association to appoint Farr and Frank Daly, who finished second in the 2021 board contest,… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 6, 2022) After Berlin officials decided last Monday to continue plans for New Year’s Eve celebrations, they changed course last Thursday and cancelled the downtown festivities because of skyrocketing covid positivity rates. In a statement released last week, Mayor Zack Tyndall said the decision to forego New Year’s Eve in Berlin… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 6, 2022) The Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee launched discussions of next fiscal year’s budget on Dec. 22 with presentations from representatives of food operations and fire/ems services. The association’s fiscal year begins in May. Matt Ortt Companies CEO Ralph DeAngelus, who oversees dining and catering services at the Yacht… Read more »
But no guarantees come with first round proposal By Greg Ellison (Jan. 6, 2022) Despite anticipating reduced revenues of $1.2 million in the next fiscal year, the proposed Ocean Pines budget for FY 2022/23 cuts a dollar off assessment fees. Association officials released a draft budget late last month as they prepared to hear departmental… Read more »
Fast-acting duo honored with Heartsaver Hero Award last week in Ocean Pines By Greg Ellison (Jan. 6, 2022) Two months after deploying an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive a heart attack victim at the Ocean Pines Clubhouse Bar and Grille, staff members Rob Ruszin and Judie Scotti continue to receive accolades. Dave Van Gasbeck,… Read more »